Angie Hicks – “the” Angie
Founder of Angie's List
In 1995, Angie Hicks was new to Columbus, Ohio, and frustrated by how difficult it was to find good contractors. Knowing there had to be a better way, Angie literally set out door-to-door recruiting members and collecting reviews from friends and neighbors. Taking this “ask-your-neighbor” approach to a higher level, Angie used the detailed feedback to provide reliable, unbiased ratings and reviews on local services, which is today known as Angie’s List.
In her first year, Angie recruited 1,000 members throughout Columbus, laying the foundation for what would become one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. Over the last 13 years, she’s led the List’s expansion from a 100-square-foot office to a nationwide operation that serves more than 750,000 consumers. For three consecutive years– 2002, 2003 and 2004 – Angie’s List was named to the Inc. 500, Inc. magazine’s list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the nation. And in 2008, Angie’s List added doctor reviews to its stock of home service categories.
All the while, Angie’s keen business aptitude and common sense helped Angie’s List remain a locally-focused service that members say they can’t live without. Consumers turn to Angie to help make the hiring process easier, as well as raise the level of service they can expect from local service companies, contractors and doctors.
A working mother herself, Angie helps ensure that Angie’s List continues to evolve to meet the ever-changing, dynamic needs of today’s families and homeowners. She knows that Angie’s List members are challenged each day to fit work and family time into already busy schedules. With this in mind, Angieslist.com puts reliable information and resources at the fingertips of its members, so they can access it anytime they need help – whether it’s for a major home renovation, an emergency car repair, finding a new dentist or even a clown for their kid’s birthday party.
In April 2008, Angie’s List received a $35 million investment from Battery Ventures, one of the nation's oldest and most well respected venture capital firms. That infusion was followed in November 2008, with an additional $18 million from Menlo Park -based Lighthouse Capital Partners. Angie’s List finished the year strong with another $7 million from Chicago-based Prism Mezzanine Fund.
Angie regularly contributes to national and local consumer news outlets, including CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Redbook, Real Simple, USA Weekend, Parade magazine, Good Housekeeping, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Money and the Wall Street Journal. Her column can also be seen in The Indianapolis Star, The Cincinnati Enquirer, The Tampa Tribune and Angie's List Magazine.
Angie’s official title at Angie’s List is Founder and Chief Marketing Officer. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a bachelor’s degree in economics from DePauw University, in Greencastle, Ind., which named her a 2007 Distinguished Alumna for Management and Entrepreneurship.
Angie's Blog: How do you search for an Austin Veterinarian?
Recently featured in:
Internet ratings sites draw millions interested in what others think – Philadelphia Inquirer
5 fixes that just can't wait – Charlotte Observer
Travel deals available if you can afford them - Columbus Dispatch
Check out our TV Commericals: Angie's List Pay Per View, Angie's List Plumber Joe, Angie's List Housecleaner, Angie's List Red Paint